Turning Heads Kennel

Alaska Dog Sledding Tours

Dog Biography

Dog Of The Week: Aldawin

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As a puppy, Aldawin was brought down to the Seward boat harbor almost every day to meet new people and teach them about mushing — but you’d never guess that from his personality. Despite lots of early sociaization, Aldawin is a very reserved dog who enjoys being around his mushing family. He is a quirky dog who marches to his own drummer.

Aldawin spent most of the summer of 2015 running on Godwin Glacier. It was there that he developed his strong work ethic. We were so impressed with Aldawin this year in training. In the team, Aldawin is always happy to run. This year he completed the Northern Lights 300 and the Copper Basin 300. He ran on Travis’ team in the Iditarod before being dropped in Nulato due to illness. We were very impressed with Aladdin during this year’s race and are expecting big things out of him in the future! His siblings, Bruce, Marlow, and Flo all raced with Travis too.

Go Aladawin!

Dog Of The Week: Kip

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Kip was one of the best new additions to Travis’ race team this year. This young dog has really come out of his shell as a powerhouse for enthusiasm and excitement. Kip is just as hapy to run as he is to cuddle up on the couch. He has an infectious attitude and is a very bright, peppy dog.

This year, Kip finished the Northern Lights 300, The Copper Basin 300, and the Iditarod. Kip has a fun, playful attitude and is really just a very happy-go-lucky sort of dog. This summer, we will continue developing Kip’s natural talent and begin working with him up front.

Dog Of The Week: Thor

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Thor is one of the biggest, happiest dogs in our kennel. He is a hard working athlete who completed the Northern Lights 300 and the Copper Basin 300 this year. Although he didn’t run Iditarod, Thor has tremendous potential and we are so excited to watch him continue to mature and grow into his big gangly legs. A work horse in wheel, his exuberance is always noticed by his teammates and is often infectious.

In the kennel, Thor is a gentle giant. He loves playing with his neighbors and is always keen to say hello to other dogs. Thor has been working over the last year on overcoming his shyness with visitors to our kennel and has made tremendous progress. Thor is still funny around strangers. He still isn’t sure whether or not he wants to hide in his dog house or come out and give them kisses, watching him try to figure out what to do is always fun. With a little coaxing, Thor is now confident around visitors to our kennel.

We are excited to see his wagging tail greet guests and help show them the joys of mushing!

Dog of the Week: Lena

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Lena is a superb young athlete and has been the youngest dog in our kennel to finish both the Copper Basin 300 and the Northern Lights 300. Lena has been a dog that seamlessly fits into the team and always just does her job. 

Although shy at first, after warming up Lena is a real sweetheart. In the checkpoints, she curls up into a tight little ball to sleep but is always excited to get a belly rub, eat a meal, or have her booties put on.

Lena works hard in the team and has done a truly impressive job, most likely earning herself a spot on Sarah’s Iditarod team! 

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Dog Of The Week: Bensen

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Bensen for a long time was the punk in the dog yard. He thought he was tough stuff — and why wouldn’t he? With parents like bossy know-it-all Tamere and rough-and-tough lead dog Boston, we expected him and his brother, Coda, to have a bit of attitude.

A bit of attitude however turned out to be a little too much. In June of this year we made the decision to neuter Bensen. Neutering sled dogs is often done when a musher feels that the dog would perform better. In Bensen’s case, a little less testoterone went a long way. Once neutered, Bensen went from being a feisty dog who had a hard time fitting in the team to being one of the superstars up on Godwin glacier.

His hard working attitude, beautiful trot, and loving personality make him a favorite amongst our guests. He has inherited Tamere’s terrific smile.

We love you Bensen! Keep up the good work and you’ll be on the race team in no time.